English Language and Communication - 2012 entry
BA (Hons)
- single
BA (Hons)
- combined (see 'Combine with...' tab for available combinations)
Typical A-level offer: BBC or equivalent
Overview
This course is run by the School of Education
Do you want to understand how language works as a complex system? Are you fascinated by the dynamics of how human beings construct meaning? Do you wonder why English has become the global language of communication? In English Language and Communication we examine the ways in which language and other forms of meaning are structured and used for different purposes in a range of communicative contexts - local, national and global.
A central theme of the English Language and Communication curriculum is ‘internationalisation’. We are interested in exploring the construction of human meaning in a globalised world in which English is the dominant international language. English affects and facilitates every nation’s interface with the rest of the world – economically, politically, digitally and, above all, interculturally. Through the three years of the degree you will learn about the role and effects of English in a globalised world and develop the skills which will make you a valued and effective intercultural worker in whatever career you pursue.
Why Brookes?
To study English Language and Communication at Brookes is to study everything from the linguistic structures which create meaning(s), to how the cultural meanings which are produced construct the social world around us. You will engage in a mix of theoretical and practical work, learning the principles of language, culture and communication across a range of interdisciplinary research areas. We also study how understandings of language and meaning have developed within cultures and how the English language has developed into a global communication.
Teaching, learning and assessment
Most modules employ a mixed-mode teaching format in that in each class there is usually some element of lecture-style input in combination with seminar-style discussion based on weekly readings. Participation and discussion are important features of the English Language and Communication course – not only because of the subject which is being studied, but also because we believe people learn more effectively this way.
Throughout the course you will have access to specialist lecturers with a wide range of interests who research and publish in many of the areas you will be investigating. This will ensure that you are introduced to the latest debates and developments in the field.
Assessment takes a range of forms, but includes written classroom tasks, essays, group projects, seminar presentations, and analyses of texts. In your final year you write a dissertation. A wide range of dissertation topics are potentially available to research.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing the degree you should be able to:
- understand the structures and processes that underlie language practices in a range of communicative contexts
- evaluate critically, through appropriate methodologies, one or more aspects of the cultures, linguistic contexts, history, politics, geography, and social and economic structures of societies which have been affected by the spread of English
- critically evaluate spoken and written instances of language use for effectiveness in relation to context, purpose and audience
- demonstrate knowledge of a range of texts, genres and forms together with the ability to analyse these critically
- demonstrate skills in critical analysis and research
- understand the important role that language plays at local, national and global levels of economic, political and social organisation
- demonstrate intercultural awareness, understanding and competence.
In detail
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Course content
The course is composed of modules which will introduce you to a variety of interdisciplinary concepts and research interests in language and communication. These include Language Culture and Globalisation, Intercultural Communication, Psychology of Communication, Critical Discourse Analysis, Forensic Linguistics, and Analysing English Language.
You will begin by taking core introductory modules which will give you a thorough grounding in key elements of Language, Cultural Studies and Communication. In your second and third years you will develop these interests and begin researching particular areas and issues in more detail.
The university’s undergraduate programme, which allows you to study part-time as well as full-time, also gives mature students the flexibility they need to combine study with work or family commitments.
All our courses are reviewed regularly to ensure that they respond to developments in the subject area and the needs of employers. The list below is indicative of the range of modules which are available. If you would like more information, please view our full module list with descriptions of content.
Year 1
Years 2 and 3
- Forensic Linguistics
- Analysing English Language
- Language, Culture and Globalization
- Intercultural Communication
- Language through Literature
- Persuasive Communication
- Methodology of Foreign Language Teaching
- Psychology of Communication
- Critical Discourse Analysis
- Subject to Discourse: Language and Literacies
- Writing Technologies
- New Media and Youth Identities
- Philosophy of Language
- Research Project / Dissertation
Study abroad
Information about exchanges, European work placements and other study abroad programmes, is available here.
Free language courses for students - the Open Module
Free language courses are available to all full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students who are studying any course on our Headington (including Marston Road), Harcourt Hill or Wheatley Campuses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.
Key facts
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Claire Butler
I have always wanted to work with children and the course provided the necessary skill-set and learning experiences to achieve my goals. I was attracted to the course because of the wide range of modules that were offered, such as the option of placements.
See full profile »Department
Course length
Full-time: 3 years
Part-time: up to 6 years
Teaching location
Harcourt Hill Campus
Start date
September 2012
UCAS code
QP3X BA/LC
Combine with...
RELATED COURSES:
This course can be combined with one of the following subjects:
Anthropology
Q9L6 Mod/LDAN
Business Management
QN92 Mod/LDDP
Communication, Media and Culture
QP93 BA/LDHQ
Education Studies
QX39 MOD/LDWD
English
QQ93 BA/LDEA
Film Studies
QP9H Mod/LDFM
French
QR91 Mod/LDFC
International Relations
QL92 Mod/LDRL
Japanese Studies
QT92 Mod/LDJB
Music
QW93 Mod/LDMS
Philosophy
QV95 BA/LDPQ
Psychology
QC98 Mod/LDPS
Publishing Media
QP94 Mod/LDPJ
Religion and Theology
QV96 Mod/LDRC
Sociology
QL93 Mod/LDSO
Spanish (Minor Field)
Q9R4 BA/LDSX
Sport, Coaching and Physical Education
QN98 Mod/LDSS
Fees / funding
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Tuition fees
UK/EU students
Full-time: £9,000
Part-time: £750 per module. You can take up to five modules per academic year.
International students
Full-time: £11,000
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
+44 (0)1865 483088
finance-fees@brookes.ac.uk
Funding and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see:
Apply / Entry reqs
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Typical offers
A-level: BBC or equivalent
IB Diploma: 30 points
Advanced Diploma: grade C, including A-level at grade B
BTEC in a relevant field of study at DMM
For combined honours, normally the offer will lie between the offer quoted for each subject.
Specific entry requirements
GCSE: English Language at grade C or above, or equivalent
Please also see the university's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
Please see the university's standard English language requirements.
English language requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Border Agency's minimum language requirements as well as the university's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Full-time students should apply for this course through UCAS.
All part-time applications should be made directly to the university using the university application form.
Conditions of acceptance
When you accept our offer you agree to the conditions of acceptance. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Credit transfer
Oxford Brookes operates the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). All undergraduate single modules are equivalent to 7.5 ECTS credits and double modules to 15 ECTS credits. More about ECTS credits.
Student experience
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Dawn Yardley
The department is very personable which makes you feel welcome. Additionally my classes were usually quite small which made the lecturers very accessible. I also found the facilities to be very good including a 24-hour computer room and a well-stocked library, with many of the books also available electronically.
See full profile »Why Oxford is a great place to study English Language and Communication
Oxford is the ideal city in which to study English Language and Communication. It has a vibrant literary community and is home to many writers as well as publishing companies. Cultural and literary events, such as the Oxford Literary Festival, take place throughout the year and Oxford also has a number of world-class libraries such as the Bodleian, and archives, collections and museums, including the Ashmolean, Pitt Rivers Museum and Modern Art Oxford.
As a student in Oxford you'll be at the heart of the UK's most successful economic region and in a centre for leading industries which will provide you with a host of work placement and other learning opportunities.
Situated in the heart of rural England and home to around 150,000 people, Oxford offers students a clean and safe environment less than an hour from London and international airports, and is a bustling and stunning cosmopolitan city, with excellent shopping, restaurants, cafes, pubs and clubs.
General support services
Supporting your learning
From academic advisers and support co-ordinators to specialist subject librarians and other learning support staff, we want to ensure that you get the best out of your studies.
Personal support services
We want your time at Brookes to be as enjoyable and successful as possible. That's why we provide all the facilities you need to be relaxed, happy and healthy throughout your studies.
Accommodation
At Brookes we understand that when you live away from home it's important to be somewhere that you feel comfortable and safe.
After graduation
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Career prospects
Graduates in English Language and Communication can choose from a wide range of career paths, particularly where an international dimension might be involved.
Due to the fact that we are living in an increasingly globalised world, our working lives are taking on an ever more intercultural character in that we are now communicating and interacting with people across cultures as well as across geographical borders more than we have ever done before. This may be in the workplace with people coming from different societies, within the European Union for example, or as the result of professional working communications by phone, by email, and in person – worldwide.
If you have an interest in people, in cultures, in human diversity, and the meanings which flow within and between them, then relevant employment sectors might include tourism, marketing, the media, public relations, education, health, law, and international companies and organisations.
Further study
We have also had students go on to apply for a range of master's courses such as Forensic Linguistics, Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, Education, and International Relations.
